About the song
“Sweet Dreams,” also known as “Sweet Dreams (of You),” is a timeless country ballad written by Don Gibson. The song was first recorded by Gibson in 1955. His original version achieved considerable success, reaching the top ten on Billboard’s country chart. However, it was ultimately overshadowed by a competing recording by Faron Young.
In 1960, after establishing himself as a major figure in country music, Gibson revisited “Sweet Dreams” and released a new version. This rendition not only climbed to the top ten of the country charts but also made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.93. The song’s enduring appeal has led to its recognition as a country standard, with notable covers by artists such as Patsy Cline and Emmylou Harris.
Patsy Cline, one of country music’s most cherished voices, recorded “Sweet Dreams” in early 1963 for what was to be her next album, “Faded Love.” Unfortunately, Cline’s tragic death in a plane crash on March 5, 1963, meant the album was never released. Despite this, the song was later included in the compilation album “Patsy Cline the Last Sessions” in 1988. In 1963, the song was released as a single and became a significant hit, reaching No.5 on the country charts and No.44 on the pop charts. It also made a mark on the U.S. Adult Contemporary charts, peaking at No.15.
Cline initially had reservations about the song’s use of violins, fearing it might alienate her country fans. However, upon hearing the final playback, she famously reflected on the song as a significant moment in her career. “Sweet Dreams” has continued to resonate through various media, including the 1985 biopic of Patsy Cline, starring Jessica Lange, and in films like Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” and the Coen Brothers’ “Blood Simple.”
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Lyrics
Sweet dreams of you
Dreams I know can’t come true
Why can’t I forget the past
Start loving someone new
Instead of having sweet dreams about you
Sweet dreams about you You don’t love me, it’s plain
I should know you’d never wear my name
I should hate you the whole night through
Instead of having sweet dreams about you You don’t love me, it’s plain
I should know you’d never, never wear my name
And I should hate you the whole night through
Instead of having sweet dreams about you
Instead of having sweet dreams about you